Between Two Ellens*

The Ellens* visit with their colleague, Representative Aletia Timmons (HD97), about her previous career as a judge and about the issue of sexual harassment & assault in the workplace. Denim Day is an annual day to promote awareness of sexual assault and solidarity with victims. It was founded in Italy in the 1990s around a rape case where the verdict was overturned in favor of the accused due to the victim wearing tight jeans; and therefore, the idea of consent was put to question.

The Ellens* visit with House Majority Leader Rep. Mark Lawson (HD30-Tulsa) about "The Mother Road" - Route 66 - and the many celebrations planned for its centennial birthday this year.

The Ellens* visit with Rep. Trish Ranson, a former elementary music teacher turned Oklahoma representative and current caucus chair, as she shares how the 2018 teacher walkout sparked her run for office and how her focus has expanded from education into health, mental health, childcare, and higher ed. She discusses HB 1979, a proposed early childhood task force aimed at consolidating 19 programs across six agencies into a single, navigable system to reduce duplication and improve outcomes, including stronger connections to programs like SoonerStart. Ranson also explains what the caucus chair role entails, highlights her “People, Politics and Pints” civics nights, and reflects on a hectic session where budget limits bills and GA bills are out of sync, making the process difficult for lawmakers and nearly impossible for the public.

Last week the Republican leadership announced a budget deal...but the exact details remain a bit murky and quite a bit uncertain. The Ellens* take a quick walk through what we know—and what we don't—thus far in the process. Budget portal: https://former.okhouse.gov/fiscal/FiscalPortal.aspx

Since the legislature is roughly halfway through the legislative session, the Ellens* reflect on what happened this week - what's dead, what's still alive, and what kind of shenanigans are happening late at night while the public isn't looking.

The Ellens* speak with Rep. Suzanne Schreiber about Oklahoma’s childcare challenges, emphasizing childcare as essential economic infrastructure that enables parents to work. Schreiber outlines costs ($700–$1,200 per month), staffing shortages driven by low wages (about $11.47/hour), and how “childcare deserts” are largely staffing—not building—problems. She discusses last year’s Strong Start First law to help recruit and retain childcare workers by covering their own childcare, and warns that a proposed $50 million cut could remove 35% of supported families and accelerate closures, noting over 300 providers closed from June to December 2025 (about 6,000 slots). The conversation covers federal match dollars, employer partnerships, regulation limits, and ends with everyone sharing favorite country music picks.

It's Transportation Day at the State Capitol, and The Ellens* are joined by Oklahoma Secretary of Transportation, Tim Gatz, to discuss roads, bridges, trains, and automobiles.

The Ellens* visit with State Senator and former Oklahoma City Councilwoman Nikki Nice about how she moved from radio and civic engagement into elected office, including her work as a DNC delegate in 2016 and her decisive 2018 city council victory. She explains why she ran for the Senate to overcome state preemptions that limit local solutions, and compares city council’s public-hearing-driven process to the state legislature’s lack of routine public comment, noting how that separation affects policy. Nice reflects on challenges she faced in public service, highlights key wins like reinstating the Human Rights Commission, preserving Black cultural landmarks, and improving healthy food access in 73111, and discusses learning the fast pace and breadth of state issues. The conversation closes with Black History Month reflections, plus personal stories of mentorship and advocacy.

The Ellens* sit down with House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson and Senate Minority Leader Julia Kirt to discuss their experience in the legislature, how they manage their caucuses, and how the minority party plays a role in the legislative process.

The Ellens* sit down with OK House Parliamentarian CJ Cavin and House Minority Floor Leader, Rep. Andy Fugate, to discuss the history, purpose, and enforcement of the House Rules.

The Ellens* host their first live pod with return guests Forrest Bennett and Andy Moore, to discuss Governor Stitt's eighth and final State of the State address. Recorded live at Lively Beer Works in Oklahoma City.

The Ellens* visit with former state representative Collin Walke, who unpacks the complexities of data privacy legislation, the persistent issues with selling our personal data, and the potential dangers of AI. Get ready for an eye-opening discussion filled with insights on how our everyday actions online could affect our privacy and security.

Join the Ellens* as they dive deep into the importance of tax and budget policies with Aanahita Ervin from Oklahoma Policy Institute. From explaining the ins and outs of state budgets to tackling the impact of federal changes, this episode is a must-watch for any policy wonk or concerned citizen.

The Ellens* sit down with Brittany Hayes, Policy Director at Healthy Minds, to discuss the multifaceted approach to improving mental health in Oklahoma. From systemic challenges to practical solutions, this episode is packed with insights on policy, community support, and the importance of early intervention.

The Ellens* chat with Erin Oldfield, VP of Community Engagement for the Thunder, about the team's profound community involvement, player philanthropy, and the thrilling experience of winning the championship.

In this episode of 'Between Two Ellens,' Marilyn Luper Hildreth shares anecdotes about her mother, Clara Luper, a dedicated educator and civil rights activist. Marilyn recounts the transformative sit-ins led by young students in Oklahoma City, their impact on desegregation efforts, and her mother's enduring influence on education and civil rights. The discussion also touches on the current state of democracy and the importance of voting and civic engagement.

Representative Melissa Provenzano shares her journey from teaching biology in Tulsa to tackling education issues in the Oklahoma State Legislature, discussing the ongoing challenges in education funding, teacher support, and the implementation of literacy programs. A deep dive into school financing, legislative hurdles, and the importance of long-term commitment in public education.

Join the Ellens as they sit down with Rep. Ron Stewart of House District 73 to discuss the historic influence of AC Hamlin, the role of the Black Caucus in Oklahoma, and the importance of community involvement in legislation.

The Ellens* delve into the world of energy with former Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Jim Roth. Explore the fascinating dynamics of wind energy regulation, power struggles, and the future landscape of energy in Oklahoma.

The Ellens* sit down with Rachel Holt, President and CEO of United Way of Central Oklahoma. Rachel discusses the critical support United Way provides to various partner agencies addressing key community challenges like homelessness, childcare, and health services. The discussion highlights United Way's ALICE initiative, the importance of the 2-1-1 helpline, and innovative partnerships like the Key to Home initiative for homelessness. Personal stories of resilience and community collaboration bring a heartfelt perspective to United Way’s ongoing efforts. Enjoy this insightful exploration of nonprofit impact and community support.

Hosts Ellen Pogemiller and Ellyn Hefner discuss the complexities of HR1 and its profound impact on Oklahoma’s hospitals with Scott Tohlen, Vice President of Advocacy at the Oklahoma Hospital Association. The conversation delves into the less understood aspects of provider taxes, the Supplemental Hospital Offset Payment Program (SHOP), the shift to Medicaid managed care, and the challenges facing rural hospitals. Scott also shares insights on the state's unique relationship with nonprofit hospitals and the potential long-term effects of HR One, including potential service cuts and economic ramifications. Don't miss this in-depth discussion on healthcare policy, hospital funding, and the future of medical services in Oklahoma.

The Ellens* visit with Dr. Crystal Hernandez, a seasoned forensic psychologist and mental health administrator. They tackle the sensitive topic of suicide, exploring hope, policy changes, and actionable solutions to improve mental health services in Oklahoma and beyond. Dr. Hernandez shares her expertise on access to mental health care, early intervention, the importance of community support, and innovative policy proposals like psychological autopsies and comprehensive youth care evaluations. Tune in for a candid and hopeful conversation aimed at making meaningful changes in mental health systems.

In this episode, we discuss Senate Bill 1027 with subject matter expert Amber England. Amber outlines the myths surrounding the bill and its potential consequences on Oklahoma's ballot initiative process. We delve into the historical context of ballot initiatives, the significant changes proposed by SB 1027, and the upcoming Supreme Court case. Amber highlights key dangers of the bill including the cap on signatures, involvement of the Secretary of State, and the overall threat to Oklahoma's democratic processes. Join us to understand why this issue is crucial and what it means for the future of state questions in Oklahoma.

The Ellens* sit down with Representative Forrest Bennett from District 92 for an insightful discussion on the topic of 'Right to Work' legislation and its impact on unions and labor in Oklahoma. Forest Bennett, a seasoned state representative, shares his views on the historical and current landscape of unionization, the challenges faced by workers, and the importance of collective action. The conversation also dives into the personal experiences and family histories of union involvement, highlighting the critical role unions play in ensuring fair wages and working conditions. The episode wraps up with a fun and engaging discussion on spooky season traditions and movies. Join us for an informative and spirited discussion that sheds light on the crucial issues facing workers today.

Join state representatives Ellen Pogemiller and Ellyn Hefner for their inaugural podcast episode of 'Between Two Ellens.' This episode features Andy Moore from Let's Fix This, discussing the complexities of state questions, the initiative petition process, and the impact of recent legislative changes on Oklahoma politics. Learn about the intricacies of Medicaid expansion, the challenges of signature collection, and the push for open primaries. This engaging conversation aims to educate and involve the community in political processes that shape their everyday lives.

Oklahoma state representatives Ellen Pogemiller and Ellyn Hefner introduce their new podcast and explain what listeners can expect. Each episode is also published as a video file on YouTube! Visit betweentwoellens.com for more content and details.